A FORMER Celtic star saw red in more ways than one last night – incurring the wrath of Scots referee John Beaton.
The whistler was forced to dip into his pocket and brandish a red card after the offender HEADBUTTED his opponent in a dramatic Europa League encounter.
Beaton was in charge for the match between Utrecht of the Eredivisie and Portugal‘s league leaders, Porto.
Utrecht were the hosts and the Dutch side took the lead three minutes into the second half through Miguel Rodriguez.
Then things truly kicked off in the 66th minute when Porto grabbed an equaliser thanks to Borja Sainz.
He scored on a rebound following Deniz Gül’s attempt, which was parried into his path by none other than ex-Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas.
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The Greek shot-stopper’s initial save fell to Sainz who finished with aplomb first-time.
But as Porto ran away celebrating, Gabri Veiga shoved Barkas from behind (not once but twice) when trying to retrieve the ball for kick-off.
That prompted Barkas to turn around and square up to Veiga inside his own goal, and tensions soon boiled over.
Barkas motioned his head into Veiga and pushed against him, with Veiga falling to the floor clutching his face.
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Beaton came rushing over and without hesitation reached for a red card.
Despite Barkas’ protestations, Beaton was in no mood to change his decision and he was backed up by the VAR crew in the booth.
The game finished 1-1 in the end, leaving Utrecht in 32nd position in the Europa League and still without a win. Porto are 14th.
Barkas cost the Hoops £5million in 2020 but struggled at Celtic Park before going on loan to Utrecht two years later.
He then sealed a permanent move there the following season and has since made over 60 appearances for them.
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